Tottenham, West Ham marred by racism controversy

Two British football clubs have been accused of having racist fans after two separate incidents involving fans and black players.

Football club West Ham United have started an investigation into allegations of racial abuse against the families of players Victor Obinna and Frédéric Piquionne (pictured) during last weeks home defeat to Manchester United.

It’s been reported that guest of the two footballers were involved in an altercation with a group of supporters in the Main Stand at the match. The club has initiated an internal investigation with the police and the FA has also confirmed it will be looking into the alleged incident. A spokesperson for the FA said:

"The FA is looking into an alleged incident of racist comments at West Ham on Saturday."

West Ham chairman David Sullivan has promised ‘strong action’ against those involved in the incident but Kick It Out, the campaign against racism in football, has gone further demanding a lifetime ban on anyone found to have racially abused the players family members. Danny Lynch from Kick It Out said:

"We would absolutely call for a lifetime ban. We've always advocated a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination in the game. We welcome the fact that they [West Ham] have opened up an investigation about it and we are there to assist should they need us to."

Kick It Out have also contacted UEFA to express concern over the abuse Tottenham Hotspur footballer Emmanuel Adebayor suffered in a recent match with Real Madrid. The club denies the alleged racist chants during Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter final was racist but conceded they were offensive.

Kick It Out have been in touch both with UEFA and the Football Against Racism Europe (FARE) network and have also given their support to Adebayor.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, said: "We have pursued this matter with our partners at the FARE network, and UEFA.

"Racist abuse is not as prevalent as it has been in the past, but there are unhealthy trends, such as immigrant hysteria, creeping back during these austere times. We would urge Emmanuel not to be defeatist and join us to take action, to beat this scourge and to make the playing and watching environment, and atmosphere, better for everyone."